New Delhi: In preparation for the Gujarat election scheduled later this year, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and his Punjabi counterpart Bhagwant Mann visited Ahmedabad today.
AAP leaders held a roadshow yesterday to ask Gujaratians to give their party at least one chance because "arrogant" BJP rule has ruled it for 25 years.
Mr Kejriwal and Mr Mann have been called "tourists" by the Gujarat BJP, who referred to Delhi as a Union Territory.
AAP chief in Gujarat Gopal Italia said media that the BJP's comments about the Delhi Chief Minister were "demeaning".
"The Delhi Chief Minister was voted by the people and he deserves respect. The BJP should fight elections on issues and not with degrading comments," he said.
AAP voters gave the party a chance in Punjab and they will also give it a chance in Gujarat, he said, referring to the party's big victory in the Punjab elections, which enabled the party to run a full state for the first time.
"Gujarat is Prime Minister Narendra Modi's turf, but we will fight fiercely... People are burdened with rising prices and unemployment. The AAP will work on health and education in Gujarat," Mr Italia added.
During their visit to Swaminarayan temple, Mr Italia was accompanied by Gujarat AAP leader Isudan Gadhvi. Swaminarayan Sampraday and other Hindu temples and sects in Gujarat enjoy huge followings.